Maggart and Embry Earn All-Big Ten Honors for Women's Tennis

They are the No. 1 and No. 2 singles players.

May 5, 1998

Mary Beth Maggart and Jennifer Embry, both members of the Purdue
women's tennis team, received All-Big Ten honors for their performances during the 1998 season. They are the eighth and ninth Boilermakers to receive this recognition. Maggart and Embry, Purdue's No. 1 and No. 2 singles players, respectively, played a major role in what has been considered one of the best seasons in Boilermaker tennis history. Purdue finished with a 14-10 overall record, 8-2 conference mark and tied for its highest conference finish ever at fourth (also 1995). This is the first time Purdue has had two players recognized in the same season.

"To have two players named All-Big Ten is another unprecedented event in the history of our program," said Purdue coach Mat Iandolo. "These two players have meant a lot to our program and I can't think of any two players more deserving than they are."

This marks the third consecutive year in which Maggart has made All-Big Ten. The Spring, Texas (KleinH.S.) native posted a 6-4 record in conference action at the No. 1 position. Maggart provided two singles victories at the regular season-ending Big Ten Championship tournament in Madison, Wis. She won four conference matches in a row from March 21 to April 12, helping Purdue to four victories.

Embry is a first-time honoree. The Houston, Texas (Memorial H.S.), product went 5-5 in conference play. She collected five straight Big Ten victories from April 9 to April 25. Embry, like Maggart, won two matches at the Big Ten tournament.

In addition to being Purdue's top two singles players, Maggart and Embry combine to make up the Boilermakers' top doubles team. The pair, which is currently ranked 21st in the nation, won five matches to close out the 1998 regular season. On six occasions, wins by Maggart and Embry helped the Boilers claim the all-important doubles point.

Purdue's season will continue at the NCAA Regionals in Champaign, Ill., on May 15-17. Maggart and Embry are also vying for a bid to the NCAA Championships as a doubles team, while Maggart hopes for an invitation for the singles competition, as well.